University of Arkansas pitcher Zach Root
When it comes to quality pitching, there really is no such thing as too much.
The New York Yankees farm system boasts a stable of strong-armed hurlers, including seven among the franchise’s top 10 prospects. And prevailing opinion, as indicated by the ongoing flow of mock drafts, is that the Yankees will target a college-aged pitcher at this year’s draft, held July 13-14 as part of MLB’s All-Star Week festivities.
MLB Pipeline’s recent projection has the Yankees taking a left-hander with “one of the higher floors among college starters.” One of three teams penalized by the competitive balance tax and losing 10 slots in the draft before its first pick, New York is forecasted to use the 39 pick on pitcher Zach Root from the University of Arkansas.
Zach Root Utilizes Effective Four-Pitch Mix in Becoming Arkansas Ace
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Root doesn’t overwhelm with physicality or triple-digit heat. However, he effectively worked a four-pitch mix into becoming the ace of the Razorbacks staff, finishing 9-6 with and 3.62 ERA and 126 strikeouts in 99.1 innings.
As noted by the MLB Pipeline scouting report:
“Root employs his fastball only about a third of the time, operating at 91-94 mph and reaching 97 with sink that creates ground-ball contact. His most effective offering is an 83-85 mph changeup with fade, and his low-80s curveball gives him a second plus pitch. His mid-80s cutter/slider is a solid fourth option, and he uses all three of his secondaries at a roughly equal amount.”
Root had perhaps his biggest moment as a Razorback in his last start. Facing UCLA in an elimination game on June 17, Root threw five shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out five, as Arkansas won 7-3.
“He went out today and provided why he’s one of the best left-handed pitchers in the country,” said Razorbacks head coach Dave Van Horn.
Zach Root Beat UCLA in Impressive Rebound Performance
It was an impressive rebound performance for the junior. Three days prior, Root lasted just 1.2 innings in a 4-1 loss to Louisiana State University. He threw a season-low 38 pitches while allowing three runs on two hits, two walks and a hit batsman.
Fortunately, he was able to make amends.
“A lot of times, guys this time of year are fading a little bit. He seems to be maybe getting a little stronger,” Van Horn said. “He can reach back and get a little more when he needs it.”
Adding Root to their stable would be a borderline embarrassment of riches for the Yankees.
At 21 years old and with three full NCAA seasons, Root could be earmarked for High-A Hudson Valley, where the Renegades currently have right-handers Ben Hess (No. 3 prospect), Bryce Cunningham (No. 4) and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (No. 6). Or Root could start out at Double-A Somerset, where two of the key rotation members are Chase Hampton (No. 7) and Brock Selvidge (No. 8).
